Although it makes sense to spay or neuter your dog, many owners still hesitate to do so, fearing having surgery done on a perfectly healthy pet. However, if they realized that they’re adding years to their dog’s life perhaps they wouldn’t waver in making the right decision.
Advantages of Spaying and Neutering
Fewer homeless dogs – Because dogs reproduce at shocking rates, it’s impossible for all newborn puppies to find homes. Once impregnated a female dog can deliver a litter size that varies from 2 to 20 puppies, forcing owners to find good homes or bring them to animal shelters. Shelters are overcrowded and tragically, many pets are euthanized.
Better behaved male dogs – As early as six months old a male dog can show behavior problems linked to hormones which continue into lifetime problems. Besides being more aggressive and harder to manage, unneutered male dogs can make homes smell like urine by marking their territory.
Less chance of running away – The scent of a female dog in heat can lure males for miles away to run off in search of females. Traveling to females, they run the risk of many dangers such as getting struck by vehicles or attacked by other animals, as well as hurting people or weaker pets that get in their way.
Cuts down unwanted male visitors – If you own an unsprayed female dog expect gentlemen callers to hang out around your house, howling and disrupting your home.
Cuts out female heat cycles – Besides putting an end to heat cycles, spaying eliminates the crying and yowling associated with females trying to escape outside to meet male dogs.
Improves cancer odds – You can prevent cancer problems by up to 90 percent by spaying or neutering your pet. Spayed females have a lesser chance of developing uterine, ovarian and mammary cancer, as well as pyometra (inflammation of the uterus.) Owners don’t have to worry about ovarian cysts or uterine infections. By neutering your male dog, you reduce the odds of testicular and prostate cancer. Besides better health and living longer, you’ll have less vet bills.
When to Spay or Neuter
Female dogs can go into heat anytime after six months old. It’s best to spay before the first heat cycle. Male dogs should be neutered between two and four months old, before their sexual appetites develop. It’s also harder for an older dog to be neutered than a puppy. If finances are lacking, find a Spa and Neuter Clinic near you which can do it for a discount. What’s more, when you adopt through a rescue dog, you usually get a coupon covering the cost of the surgery.
The Surgery Process
Female spaying (ovarihysterectomy), spaying involves removing the ovaries, oviducts, uterus and cervix. During a neutering surgery (orchidectormy or castration) male dogs have their testicles, epididymis and spermatic cord removed.
Post Surgery Care
For about 7 to 10 days following surgery, keep your dog confined and inactive, taking her out on a leash only for potty breaks. For the first couple of days after surgery dogs are inactive and tired anyway. Check stitches daily for redness or swelling and report any problems to your vet. If your dog tends to lick use an E-Collar. Also, most animal clinic sells creams, such as Yuk, that discourage licking.
Finally, neutering a male doesn’t take away his masculinity as dogs don’t care about their sexuality identity. They don’t need testicles to feel their manliness. Female dogs don’t experience fulfillment in giving birth and parenting pups. If that were so, mother dogs would feel depressed once their pups are adopted.
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